Suture Anchor Apparatus

ABSTRACT

In various examples, a suture anchor includes a sheath including a lumen. A frame member is disposed at least partially within the sheath. The frame member includes at least two suture loops extending from the sheath. The suture loops are configured to receive a suture, wherein tightening of the suture causes compression of the frame member to constrict the lumen of the sheath.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/445,382, filed Jul. 29, 2014, issued on Jan. 22, 2019 asU.S. Pat. No. 10,182,807, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/860,291, filed on Jul. 31, 2013, both ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their respectiveentireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a suture anchor, and more specificallyrelates to a suture anchor for anchoring a lead.

Suture anchors often require that a suture be tied in direct contactwith the material (often silicone or another similar material) formingthe suture anchor and around the suture anchor in order to secure thesuture anchor around a lead and, in turn, secure the lead in place withrespect to a patient. However, tying sutures in direct contact withsilicone (or another similar material) can create various risks due todifferent physicians tying sutures with varying degrees of force. Suchrisks include cutting through the silicone or other material of thesuture anchor with the suture (if too much force is used in tying thesuture) or improper securing of the lead (if too little force is used intying the suture). Because of the inability to control the force withwhich a physician ties the suture around the suture anchor, there is arelatively high risk of failure of the suture anchor, for instance,because too much force or too little force was used in tying the suturearound the suture anchor.

Overview

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent document. It is not intended to provide an exclusiveor exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description isincluded to provide further information about the present patentdocument.

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that thesubject matter can be used to anchor a therapy delivery element or otherdevice with respect to a patient without a suture being directly incontact with a sheath of the suture anchor to decrease the likelihood ofa suture cutting through an exterior of a suture anchor, as can be aproblem with other suture anchors. The present inventors have furtherrecognized, among other things, that the subject matter can be used toprovide a suture anchor including a pre-loaded suture, therebydecreasing the amount of time required to engage the suture anchor byeliminating the need to put the suture in place first before tighteningthe suture. To better illustrate the apparatuses, systems, and methodsdescribed herein, a non-limiting list of examples is provided here:

Example 1 can include subject matter that can include a suture anchorincluding a sheath including a lumen. A frame member is disposed atleast partially within the sheath. The frame member includes at leasttwo suture loops extending from the sheath. The suture loops areconfigured to receive a suture, wherein tightening of the suture causescompression of the frame member to constrict the lumen of the sheath.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is optionally configuredsuch that the frame member includes a substantially circular shape whenviewed from an end, the frame member being substantially coaxial withthe lumen of the sheath.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 is optionally configuredsuch that the frame member includes a wave-like pattern when flattened.The wave-like pattern includes peaks. The peaks form the suture loopswith the frame member formed into the substantially circular shape.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-3 isoptionally configured such that the frame member includes a wire form.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4 isoptionally configured such that the at least two suture loops extendfrom the sheath and are disposed substantially along a longitudinal linealong an outer surface of the sheath.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-5 isoptionally configured such that the frame member includes more than twosuture loops.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-6 isoptionally configured such that at least a portion of the sheath islaminated over the frame member.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-7 isoptionally configured such that at least a portion of the sheath isovermolded with the frame member.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-8 isoptionally configured such that the sheath includes a first portion anda second portion, wherein the first portion includes a firstcharacteristic and the second portion includes a second characteristicdifferent from the first characteristic.

In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-9 isoptionally configured such that the lumen is sized to accept a therapydelivery element within the lumen, wherein the tightening of the sutureconstricts the lumen of the sheath to frictionally engage the therapydelivery element.

Example 11 can include or can optionally be combined with any one ofExamples 1-10 to include subject matter that can include a suture anchorincluding a sheath including a lumen. A frame member is disposed atleast partially within the sheath. The frame member includes a wave-likepattern when flattened. The frame member includes at least two sutureloops extending from the sheath. The suture loops are formed from peaksof the wave-like pattern of the frame member with the frame memberformed into a substantially circular shape. The suture loops areconfigured to receive a suture, wherein tightening of the suture causescompression of the frame member to constrict the lumen of the sheath.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 is optionally configuredsuch that the frame member includes a wire form.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-12 isoptionally configured such that the at least two suture loops extendfrom the sheath and are disposed substantially along a longitudinal linealong an outer surface of the sheath.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-13 isoptionally configured such that at least a portion of the sheath islaminated over the frame member.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-14 isoptionally configured such that at least a portion of the sheath isovermolded with the frame member.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-15 isoptionally configured such that the sheath includes a first portion anda second portion, wherein the first portion includes a firstcharacteristic and the second portion includes a second characteristicdifferent from the first characteristic.

In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-16 isoptionally configured such that the lumen is sized to accept a therapydelivery element within the lumen, wherein the tightening of the sutureconstricts the lumen of the sheath to frictionally engage the therapydelivery element.

Example 18 can include or can optionally be combined with any one ofExamples 1-17 to include subject matter that can include a suture anchorincluding a sheath including a lumen. The lumen is sized to accept atherapy delivery element within the lumen. A frame member is disposed atleast partially within the sheath. The frame member includes a wave-likepattern when flattened. The frame member includes at least two sutureloops extending from the sheath. The suture loops are formed from peaksof the wave-like pattern of the frame member with the frame memberformed into a substantially circular shape. The suture loops areconfigured to receive a suture. The at least two suture loops extendfrom the sheath and are disposed substantially along a longitudinal linealong an outer surface of the sheath, wherein tightening of the suturecauses compression of the frame member to constrict the lumen of thesheath to frictionally engage the therapy delivery element.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 is optionally configuredsuch that at least a portion of the sheath is laminated over the framemember.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of Examples 18-19 isoptionally configured such that at least a portion of the sheath isovermolded with the frame member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suture anchor apparatus in accordancewith at least one example of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a suture anchor apparatus in accordance with atleast one example of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a suture anchor apparatus in accordance withat least one example of the invention.

FIG. 2C is an end view of a suture anchor apparatus in accordance withat least one example of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a suture anchor apparatus in accordance with atleast one example of the invention.

FIG. 3B is an end view of a suture anchor apparatus in accordance withat least one example of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a frame member for use in a suture anchorapparatus in accordance with at least one example of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a frame member for use in a suture anchorapparatus in accordance with at least one example of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5H are cross-sectional views of various examples of wire foruse in a frame member of a suture anchor apparatus in accordance with atleast one example of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present patent application relates to suture anchors. In variousexamples, as described herein, the suture anchors are configured toallow tightening of the suture anchor without direct contact of a suturewith a sheath of the suture anchor. The suture anchors, in someexamples, can be used to anchor various devices with respect to apatient, including, but not limited to, therapy delivery elements. Insome examples, the therapy delivery element includes a fluid deliveryconduit, such as a catheter, including an inner lumen that is placed todeliver a fluid, such as pharmaceutical agents, insulin, pain relievingagents, gene therapy agents, or the like from a fluid delivery device(e.g., a fluid reservoir and/or pump) to a respective target tissue sitein a patient. In some examples, the therapy delivery element includes anelectrical lead including a pacing or defibrillation lead, a stimulationlead, or a sensing lead.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some examples, a suture anchor 100 includes asheath 110 including a lumen 112. In some examples, the sheath 110 issubstantially tubular. In some examples, the sheath 110 is formed fromsilicone. In other examples, the sheath 110 can be formed from one ormore materials other than or in addition to silicone. The lumen 112, insome examples, is disposed through the sheath 110 and is configured toaccept a therapy delivery element within the lumen 112.

In some examples, the suture anchor 100 includes a frame member 120disposed at least partially within the sheath 110. In some examples, theframe member 120 includes at least two suture loops 122 extending fromthe sheath 110. The suture loops 122, in some examples, are configuredto receive a suture, wherein tightening of the suture causes compressionof the frame member 120 to constrict the lumen 112 of the sheath 110. Insome examples, the suture anchor 100 includes more than two suture loops122. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the suture anchor 100 includesseven suture loops 122. In some examples, the suture is threaded throughor otherwise placed within at least some of the suture loops 122. Insome examples, one or more of the suture loops 122 can be used to anchorthe suture anchor 100 to a patient. For example, a suture, staple, orother fastening device can be coupled between at least one of the sutureloops 122 and the patient in order to secure the suture anchor 100 tothe patient. In some examples, the one or more suture loops 122 used forsecuring the suture anchor 100 to the patient can be flared outwardlyfrom the sheath 110 to facilitate securing of the suture anchor 100 tothe patient.

In some examples, the sheath 110 includes a flattened or planar area 114disposed at least around the suture loops 122. The flattened area 114,in some examples, provides for clearance between the suture loops 122and the sheath 110 to facilitate threading of the suture through thesuture loops 122 or tightening of the suture. The flattened area 114, insome examples, also allows for a decreased amount of material disposedbetween the suture loops 122 to facilitate tightening of the suture,compression of the frame member 120, and constriction of the lumen 112of the sheath 110.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, in some examples, a suture anchor 200 includesa sheath 210 including a lumen 212. In some examples, the sheath 210 isformed from silicone. In other examples, the sheath 210 can be formedfrom one or more materials other than silicone. The lumen 212, in someexamples, is disposed through the sheath 210 and is configured to accepta therapy delivery element within the lumen 212.

In some examples, the suture anchor 200 includes a frame member 220disposed at least partially within the sheath 210. In some examples, theframe member 220 substantially forms a tubular shape disposed around thelumen 212 of the sheath 210. In some examples, the frame member 220includes at least two suture loops 222 extending from the sheath 210.The suture loops 222, in some examples, are configured to receive asuture, wherein tightening of the suture causes compression of the framemember 220 to constrict the lumen 212 of the sheath 210. The at leasttwo suture loops 222, in some examples, extend from the sheath 210 andare disposed substantially along a longitudinal line 211 along an outersurface of the sheath 210. In some examples, the suture anchor 200includes more than two suture loops 222. For instance, as shown in FIG.2A, the suture anchor 200 includes seven suture loops 222. In someexamples, the suture is threaded through or otherwise placed within atleast some of the suture loops 222. In some examples, one or more of thesuture loops 222 can be used to anchor the suture anchor 200 to apatient. For example, a suture, staple, or other fastening device can becoupled between at least one of the suture loops 222 and the patient inorder to secure the suture anchor 200 to the patient. In some examples,the one or more suture loops 222 used for securing the suture anchor 200to the patient can be flared outwardly to facilitate securing of thesuture anchor 200 to the patient. In some examples, the lumen 212 issized to accept a therapy delivery element within the lumen 212, whereinthe tightening of the suture constricts the lumen 212 of the sheath 210to frictionally engage the therapy delivery element.

In some examples, the frame member 220 includes a substantially circularshape when viewed from an end, as seen in FIG. 2C. In some examples, theframe member 220 is substantially coaxial with the lumen 212 of thesheath 210.

In some examples, the frame member 220 includes a wave-like pattern whenflattened, the wave-like pattern including peaks, the peaks forming thesuture loops 222 with the frame member 220 formed into the substantiallycircular shape when viewed from an end. The wave-like pattern can takedifferent forms in various examples, such as, for instance, asubstantially sinusoidal wave pattern, a substantially triangular orsaw-tooth wave pattern, a substantially square wave pattern, or thelike, or a combination of two or more wave patterns. In some examples,the frame member 220 includes a wire form. In some examples, the wireform of the frame member 220 is drawn or extruded into wire and thenformed into the pattern of the frame member 220, for instance, formedinto the wavelike pattern and then further formed into the circularshape when viewed from the end. In some examples, the frame member 220can be cut from stock. For instance, in some examples, the frame member220 can be laser cut from a sheet of material and then formed into asubstantially tubular (or other) form for use within the suture anchor200. In further examples, other ways of manufacturing the frame member220 are contemplated.

In some examples, the sheath 210 includes a flattened or planar area 214disposed at least around the suture loops 222. The flattened area 214,in some examples, provides for clearance between the suture loops 222and the sheath 210 to facilitate threading of the suture through thesuture loops 222 or tightening of the suture. The flattened area 214, insome examples, also allows for a decreased amount of material disposedbetween the suture loops 222 to facilitate tightening of the suture,compression of the frame member 220, and constriction of the lumen 212of the sheath 210.

In some examples, the sheath 210 is formed around the frame member 220.In some examples, at least a portion of the sheath 210 is overmoldedwith the frame member 220. The frame member 220, in some examples, isdisposed partially within the sheath 210. The sheath 210, in variousexamples, is formed from at least one material including, but notlimited to silicone. In some examples, the sheath 210 is formed frommore than one material. In further examples, the sheath 210 is formedfrom a first material overmolded with the frame member 220 and then asecond material, different from the first material, overmolded with thefirst material and/or the frame member 220. In some examples, the firstmaterial of the sheath 210 includes a first characteristic and thesecond material of the sheath 210 includes a second characteristicdifferent from the first characteristic. Various characteristics arecontemplated herein, such as, but not limited to, hardness, density,lubriciousness, resilience, elasticity, biocompatibility, color, or thelike. The first and second materials can have one or more commoncharacteristics and/or one or more differing characteristics. In someexamples, the first material can include a hardness of a firstdurometer, and the second material can include a hardness of a seconddurometer higher or lower than the first durometer. In some examples,the first material includes a lower durometer to facilitate the sheath210 constricting around and frictionally engaging the therapy deliveryelement, and the second material includes a higher durometer to providea harder, more durable outer layer of the sheath 210. In other examples,different configurations are contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some examples, a suture anchor 300includes a sheath 310 including a lumen 312. In some examples, thesheath 310 is formed from silicone. In other examples, the sheath 310can be formed from one or more materials other than silicone. The lumen312, in some examples, is disposed through the sheath 310 and isconfigured to accept a therapy delivery element within the lumen 312.

In some examples, the suture anchor 300 includes a frame member 320disposed at least partially within the sheath 310. In some examples, theframe member 320 substantially forms a tubular shape disposed around thelumen 312 of the sheath 310. In some examples, the frame member 320includes at least two suture loops 322 extending from the sheath 210.The suture loops 322, in some examples, are configured to receive asuture 340, wherein tightening of the suture 340 causes compression ofthe frame member 320 to constrict the lumen 312 of the sheath 310. Theat least two suture loops 322, in some examples, extend from the sheath310 and are disposed substantially along a longitudinal line 311 alongan outer surface of the sheath 310. In some examples, the suture anchor300 includes more than two suture loops 322. For instance, as shown inFIG. 3A, the suture anchor 300 includes six suture loops 322. In someexamples, the suture is threaded through or otherwise placed within atleast some of the suture loops 322A. In some examples, one or more ofthe suture loops 322B can be used to anchor the suture anchor 300 to apatient. For example, a suture, staple, or other fastening device can becoupled between at least one of the suture loops 322 and the patient inorder to secure the suture anchor 300 to the patient. In some examples,the suture loops 322B can be used to thread the suture 340 through thesuture loops 322B as well as to secure the suture anchor 300 to thepatient. In some examples, the one or more suture loops 322B used forsecuring the suture anchor 300 to the patient can be flared outwardly tofacilitate securing of the suture anchor 300 to the patient. In someexamples, the lumen 312 is sized to accept a therapy delivery elementwithin the lumen 312, wherein tightening the suture 340 constricts thelumen 312 of the sheath 310 to frictionally engage the therapy deliveryelement.

In some examples, the frame member 320 includes a substantially circularshape when viewed from an end, as seen in FIG. 3B. In some examples, theframe member 320 is substantially coaxial with the lumen 312 of thesheath 310.

In some examples, the frame member 320 includes a wave-like pattern whenflattened, the wave-like pattern including peaks, the peaks forming thesuture loops 322 with the frame member 320 formed into the substantiallycircular shape when viewed from an end. The wave-like pattern can takedifferent forms in various examples, such as, for instance, asubstantially sinusoidal wave pattern, a substantially triangular orsaw-tooth wave pattern, a substantially square wave pattern, or thelike, or a combination of two or more wave patterns. In some examples,the frame member 320 includes a wire form. In some examples, the wireform of the frame member 320 is drawn or extruded into wire and thenformed into the pattern of the frame member 320, for instance, formedinto the wavelike pattern and then further formed into the circularshape when viewed from the end. In some examples, the frame member 320can be cut from stock. For instance, in some examples, the frame member320 can be laser cut from a sheet of material and then formed into asubstantially tubular (or other) form for use within the suture anchor300. In further examples, other ways of manufacturing the frame member320 are contemplated.

In some examples, the sheath 310 is formed around the frame member 320.In some examples, at least a portion of the sheath 310 is laminated withthe frame member 320. In some examples, a first portion 310A of thesheath 310 is laminated or otherwise disposed within the frame member320. In some examples, a second portion 310B of the sheath 310 islaminated or otherwise disposed around the frame member 320. In someexamples, the sheath 310 includes more or less than two portions 310A,310B. In some examples, the first portion 310A is formed from adifferent material than the second portion 310B. The frame member 320,in some examples, is disposed partially within the sheath 310. Forinstance, in some examples, the frame member 320 is disposed between thefirst portion 310A and the second portion 310B. The sheath 310, invarious examples, is formed from at least one material including, butnot limited to silicone. In some examples, the sheath 310 is formed frommore than one material. In further examples, the first portion 310A ofthe sheath 310 is formed from a first material and the second portion310B of the sheath 310 is formed from a second material, different fromthe first material. In some examples, the first portion 310A of thesheath 310 includes a first characteristic and the second portion 310Bof the sheath 310 includes a second characteristic different from thefirst characteristic. Various characteristics are contemplated herein,such as, but not limited to, hardness, density, lubriciousness,resilience, elasticity, biocompatibility, color, or the like. The firstand second portions can have one or more common characteristics and/orone or more differing characteristics. In some examples, the firstportion 310A can include a hardness of a first durometer, and the secondportion 310B can include a hardness of a second durometer higher orlower than the first durometer. In some examples, the first portion 310Aincludes a lower durometer to facilitate the sheath 310 constrictingaround and frictionally engaging the therapy delivery element, and thesecond portion 310B includes a higher durometer to provide a harder,more durable outer layer of the sheath 310. In other examples, differentconfigurations are contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in some examples, a wire form 430 can beformed into one of the patterns described herein, such as, but notlimited to a wavelike pattern, and further formed into a circular shape,when viewed from an end. In some examples, the wire form 430 can includea length longer than is needed within a suture anchor, such as one ormore of the suture anchors 200, 300 described herein. In such examples,the wire form 430 can be cut into one or more lengths sufficient to forma frame member 420 for use with a suture anchor. In some examples, thewire form 430 is cut to a length according to a specific number ofsuture loops 422. For instance, the wire form 430, in some examples, canbe cut to include seven suture loops 422, as was included in the examplesuture anchor 200 described herein, or can be cut to include six sutureloops 422, as was included in the example suture anchor 300 describedherein. In other examples, the wire form 430 can be cut to form a framemember 420 including more than seven suture loops 422 or fewer than sixsuture loops 422.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5H, various examples of cross sections of the wireform 430 are shown. The wire form 430, in some examples, can be drawn,extruded, cut, or otherwise formed into various cross sections. Forinstance, in various examples, the wire form 430 can include arectangular cross section (FIG. 5A), a square cross section (FIG. 5B), aT-shaped cross section (FIG. 5C), a triangular cross section (FIG. 5D),a circular cross section (FIG. 5E), a diamond-shaped cross section (FIG.5F), tear-drop-shaped cross section (FIG. 5G), or a hemispherical crosssection (FIG. 5H). It should be understood that, in other examples, thewire form 430 is contemplated as having cross sections other than thoseshown in FIGS. 5A-5H, such as, but not limited to a cross-shaped crosssection, an ovular cross section, an elliptical cross section, asemicircular cross section, a rhomboid cross section, a pentagonal crosssection, a hectagonal cross section, or the like. In various examples,the shape of the cross section of the wire form 430 can enhance orfacilitate one or more of forming of the wire form 430 into the desiredshape for the frame member 420, flexibility of the wire form 430,gripping of the wire frame 430, or the like. For instance, in someexamples, a wire form 430 of a particular cross section can be bettersuited for a suture anchor for use in a particular application than awire form of another cross section.

The present inventors have recognized various advantages of the subjectmatter described herein. For instance, in some examples, the sutureanchors described herein can be used to anchor a therapy deliveryelement or other device with respect to a patient without a suture beingdirectly in contact with a sheath of the suture anchor. In this way, thepresent subject matter can decrease the likelihood of a suture cuttingthrough an exterior of a suture anchor, as can be a problem with othersuture anchors. Additionally, in some examples, the suture anchor caninclude a pre-loaded suture, thereby decreasing the amount of timerequired to engage the suture anchor by eliminating the need to put thesuture in place first before tightening the suture. While variousadvantages of examples of the example apparatuses, systems, and methodsare listed herein, this list is not considered to be complete, asfurther advantages may become apparent from the description and figurespresented herein.

Although the subject matter of the present patent application has beendescribed with reference to various examples, workers skilled in the artwill recognize that changes can be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the scope of the subject matter recited in the belowclaims.

The above Detailed Description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the Detailed Description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the presentapparatuses and methods can be practiced. These embodiments are alsoreferred to herein as “examples.”

The above Detailed Description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreelements thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. Also, various features or elementscan be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not beinterpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature isessential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter can lie in lessthan all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scopeof the invention should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or morethan one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one”or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to anonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but notA,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, theterms “about” and “approximately” or similar are used to refer to anamount that is nearly, almost, or in the vicinity of being equal to astated amount.

In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are open-ended, that is, an apparatus or method thatincludes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in aclaim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover,in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc.are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numericalrequirements on their objects.

The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a sheath that defines a lumen therein,wherein the lumen is configured to receive a therapy delivery element,and wherein the sheath includes a planar section; and a plurality ofsuture loops disposed around the planar section, wherein the planarsection provides a clearance between the suture loops and the sheathsuch that the suture loops are configured to receive a suture withoutthe suture coming into direct contact with the sheath.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the lumen constricts the therapy delivery element inresponse to a tightening of the suture.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein at least some of the suture loops are configured to flareoutwardly from the sheath.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesuture loops are disposed substantially along a longitudinal line alongthe planar section of the sheath.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe suture loops are formed from a frame member that has a tubular shapeand that is substantially coaxial with the lumen.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the frame member has a substantially circular shape inan end view.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sheath includes afirst portion that is disposed within the frame member and a secondportion that is disposed around the frame member.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein: the first portion is formed from a first material; andthe second portion is formed from a second material, the first materialand the second material having different material characteristics. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first portion has a lower hardnessthan the second portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein thedifferent material characteristics are selected from the groupconsisting of: density, lubriciousness, resilience, elasticity,biocompatibility, and color.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thesuture is preloaded into the apparatus.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: asheath through which a lumen extends, the lumen being sized to receive atherapy delivery element, wherein a portion of the sheath has aflattened surface; and a frame member disposed at least partially withinthe sheath, the frame member including a plurality of suture loopsdisposed around the flattened surface, wherein the flattened surfaceprovides a clearance between the suture loops and the sheath such that asuture can be threaded through the suture loops without cutting into thesheath.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a tightening of thesuture compresses the frame member to constrict the lumen, such that thelumen frictionally engages the therapy delivery element.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein: the suture loops are disposedlongitudinally along the flattened surface of the sheath; and at leastsome of the suture loops are configured to flare outwardly from thesheath.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the frame member iscoaxially disposed with the lumen and has a circular shape in an endview.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: the sheath includes afirst portion and a second portion; the frame member is disposed betweenthe first portion and the second portion; and the first portion and thesecond portion are made from different materials.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein: the first portion defines the lumen; the secondportion is disposed around the frame member; and the first portion has agreater hardness than the second portion.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the suture is loaded into the apparatus at a time ofmanufacture.
 19. A method, comprising: placing a therapy deliveryelement in lumen defined by a sheath of a suture anchor, wherein thesheath includes a planar section; threading a suture through a pluralityof suture loops that are disposed around the planar section, wherein theplanar section provides a clearance between the suture loops and thesheath such that the suture is threaded without coming into directcontact with the sheath; and securing the suture anchor to a patient.20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: constricting the therapydelivery element with the lumen by tightening the suture.